cx-9 vs tribeca

[pearlbluevtx]

I had never driven a Subaru before Friday morning. I searched about the Tribeca and found people who loved it but most of all a lot of satisfied Subaru owners.

With my search for the "perfect" cuv/suv that can seat at least 6-7 passengers, I believe I am narrowing it down to the CX-9 and the '08 Tribeca.

What are the Subaru owners (or anyones) feelings on the CX-9 v Tribeca vehicles? I drove a CX-9 yesterday and they both drive nice, feel/look good on inside & out ... all nicely equipped etc.

PBVTX

[Magic Marker]

Well I really can't comment on the CX-9 as we only test drove the CX-7. We did dissect it in the showroom and thought it was very roomy. I'm not a big Mazda fan. If anything, I wouldn't buy a new CX-9 based on the pure fact that it is the first year of a brand new model.

We make it a point never to buy the first year of a new generation no matter what the brand. Let them work out the kinks.

Go for the 08 Tribeca. It's the 3rd year and they made some decent improvements from 06-07. Or better yet, look for an 07 and get a good deal on a demo or used one. That way you won't absorb the depreciation of a new car and you can't beat Subaru's experience in the AWD market.

[pearlbluevtx]

thanks magic.
The CX-9 & CX-7 are in their 2nd year ... 07 was first time out I believe.

I am not a big Ford fan so that dings the Mazda for me even though I think the Mazda must do their (or some/most) of their design/engineering with their own group b/c it's a pretty well suited cuv.

I had thought of an '07 Tribeca and that still might be a possibility but I do like the more conservative front end (and I read a lot of comments that people don't too so I know the argument and actually appreciate it); however, that wouldn't be my deciding factor.

One thing that did cause me some concern and this is probably minor but will have to be adjusted too is the steering wheel in the Tribeca seems farther out and there's no telescoping of the steering column/wheel - just up/down. I found myself trying to get comfortable by scooting the seat up (but then legs felt a little cramped or uncomfortable) but my hands felt better on the steering wheel. I think that's still minor though. The CX-9 did telescope in/out and I liked that ...

CX-9 seemed just a bit nicer on the inside but seriously, it's really a toss up. I think the CX-9 also seemed roomier on the inside from side-to-side room ...

What I liked about the Tribeca was interior seemed just a bit nicer in terms of ****pit etc. Liked it even though CX-9 is really nice too. Tribeca will probably be maybe slightly less in $s. And, I haven't gotten to see a 7-passenger yet but depending on which one is best in the back seat and 3rd row, I think that might be the deciding factor...

Ford has the engine ... I really don't know the history of the Subarus but the sales guys were touting the Boxer engine in the Tribeca and it seems really nice to me too. Also, I like the fact that you can get a DVD+NAVI in the Tribeca with a sunroof and in the CX-9, you can get DVD or Sunroof (ie, from factory ... which is what I want).

I guess the AWD is something I really don't know the differences on between the two but it seems the Subarus are known for their AWD and I have read that the Acuras RDX/MDX(?s) might be a little new on engineering but the Subys are proven. I don't know... AWD isn't the saving grace either but would be nice to have and the Suby and CX-9 both drove well with their versions.

Well, I still don't know... I had started comparing the CX-9, Acadia/Enclave/Outlook, Pilot, MDX ... and really, out of those, I liked the MDX first but it's $$s so then the CX-9 ranked best for me. But, Subaru has been advertising on tv a little bit and got me interested in their cuv and it's really a nice looking, driving cuv.

thx. pbvtx

[Magic Marker]

thanks magic.
The CX-9 & CX-7 are in their 2nd year ... 07 was first time out I believe.

I am not a big Ford fan so that dings the Mazda for me even though I think the Mazda must do their (or some/most) of their design/engineering with their own group b/c it's a pretty well suited cuv.

I had thought of an '07 Tribeca and that still might be a possibility but I do like the more conservative front end (and I read a lot of comments that people don't too so I know the argument and actually appreciate it); however, that wouldn't be my deciding factor.

One thing that did cause me some concern and this is probably minor but will have to be adjusted too is the steering wheel in the Tribeca seems farther out and there's no telescoping of the steering column/wheel - just up/down. I found myself trying to get comfortable by scooting the seat up (but then legs felt a little cramped or uncomfortable) but my hands felt better on the steering wheel. I think that's still minor though. The CX-9 did telescope in/out and I liked that ...

CX-9 seemed just a bit nicer on the inside but seriously, it's really a toss up. I think the CX-9 also seemed roomier on the inside from side-to-side room ...

What I liked about the Tribeca was interior seemed just a bit nicer in terms of ****pit etc. Liked it even though CX-9 is really nice too. Tribeca will probably be maybe slightly less in $s. And, I haven't gotten to see a 7-passenger yet but depending on which one is best in the back seat and 3rd row, I think that might be the deciding factor...

Ford has the engine ... I really don't know the history of the Subarus but the sales guys were touting the Boxer engine in the Tribeca and it seems really nice to me too. Also, I like the fact that you can get a DVD+NAVI in the Tribeca with a sunroof and in the CX-9, you can get DVD or Sunroof (ie, from factory ... which is what I want).

I guess the AWD is something I really don't know the differences on between the two but it seems the Subarus are known for their AWD and I have read that the Acuras RDX/MDX(?s) might be a little new on engineering but the Subys are proven. I don't know... AWD isn't the saving grace either but would be nice to have and the Suby and CX-9 both drove well with their versions.

Well, I still don't know... I had started comparing the CX-9, Acadia/Enclave/Outlook, Pilot, MDX ... and really, out of those, I liked the MDX first but it's $$s so then the CX-9 ranked best for me. But, Subaru has been advertising on tv a little bit and got me interested in their cuv and it's really a nice looking, driving cuv.

thx. pbvtx
All good points. I didn't realize that the CX7/9 are in their second year. Like I said, I'm not a big Mazda fan. Never mind the first experience I had at the local Mazda dealer. That experience is for another thread!

To this day, I have not and will not buy an American engineered car. Note I said Engineered and not built in America. My 96 Honda Civic was built in Ohio, but engineered in Japan (and I'm sure other places I don't know about). I don't blame auto workers on the quality of cars (although they are a small part of it). My used Civic runs like a champ for an 11 year old car whereas my new 93 Chevy Cavalier took a crap on me after 6 years.

Back on topic. I love the styling of a new MDX/ Acadia/ Enclave and Outlook, but they Pilot lacks style interior and exterior. I think you have some really nice choices there. Of course we're all gonna say get a Tribeca, but you need to make the ultimate decision where to spend your money.

[pearlbluevtx]

magic.
Pretty much agree with you on your 'made/engineered in' points. Honda fan here ... after having a Suburban, RAM 3/4 ton mega cab, Saturn ... quality is not the best in any of them when you compare them to the Hondas & Toyotas we've had. (the latter aren't perfect either but they just seem more solid)

Problem I have with the GM (acadia etc) bunch is they seem top-heavy and just not "solid" on the trim out etc. However, they are heading in the right direction but still "gm'ish" to me.

Some of my family have a pilot - great car, they love it, it runs .. for me, it drives & looks "bland'ish". Not really a realistic choice that I would buy at this time. If it looked more like an MDX or had more styling, it would be a front-runner I think.

thx.

[Magic Marker]

Did you check out the Subaru video? Although a little Subie biased, it's a good vid.

http://www.sb9t.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1246#post1246

[hawker800mech]

When I bought my 07 B9, the CX-9 came out two months later. I would have taken a serious look at it. The CX-9 has a Ford engine? Didn't know that. I've had a couple Fords and they have been very good cars/trucks. The Subie engines are very good and proven. Very smooth for a 6 cyclinder. It seems that the Maxda has a few extra options that the Tribeca should (HID lights, LED taillights, telescoping wheel (yes it sits a little far out for me)). I think that Subaru puts a lot of there cost in the drivetrain quality. Look at the old Subies, they may be rust buckets but people still beat them up off raod.

Let us know which you buy.

[Tribeca_PL]

My wife testdrove the CX9 before the Tribeca. It's much roomier, has better pickup of the line. We would buy it but they did not want to deal even on the 07 leftovers. The fully loaded CX9 we wanted they asked over 37 K with the sticker of 39. My wife did not mine a used Tribeca (factory demo) with 7K miles on it. We got it for $ 29K. She loves it, it's tight but for hauling the kids to the practices it's great. But we dowmgraded from a Sequoia, and I drive Ram Megacab, so we are "room-spoiled".
The CX9 is built in Hiroshima with most of the parts from Japan, except for the engine (in 07). In 08 is almost 100 % Japan.

[bionicbadger]

The AWD in the subaru is better and its proven.

The mazda does use the ford engine, though the 2008 models of the (still ford) engine are built in japan. The platform is the same as the mazda 6, ford fusion, ford edge, etc.

If you actually need the 6-7 passenger room (not just once or twice/year), then you have to go sit in those seats. Have your wife or someone go with you on a test drive and sit in the back for half an hour while you drive around. And make sure the middle row seats are comfortable for someone sitting there, not slid all the way forward to make room for the 3rd row.

I haven't sat in the CX-9, but Subaru's 3rd row seating is for young kids only or short term emergency use. I'd never want to sit back there on a long drive.

[Magic Marker]

When I bought my 07 B9, the CX-9 came out two months later. I would have taken a serious look at it. The CX-9 has a Ford engine? Didn't know that. I've had a couple Fords and they have been very good cars/trucks. The Subie engines are very good and proven. Very smooth for a 6 cyclinder. It seems that the Maxda has a few extra options that the Tribeca should (HID lights, LED taillights, telescoping wheel (yes it sits a little far out for me)). I think that Subaru puts a lot of there cost in the drivetrain quality. Look at the old Subies, they may be rust buckets but people still beat them up off raod.

Let us know which you buy.
If I'm correct (and I think I am) Ford has a controlling interest in Mazda. That was another factor why we didn't consider the CX-7.

I was talking to the Subie Dealer Owner and he said that Subaru didn't go with Xenon headlamps b/c of potential theft. Besides that, adding xenon and LED tails will jack up the price tag. The halogen projectors work fine for me and give off a nice cut off. I'm just going to add some white/ blue bulbs for the HID affect.

Remember when Nissan debuted the Maxima with HID's? The entire assembly was in the headlamp housing (ballast, igniter) and people were getting them stolen left and right. It wasn't a hard boost. It took a lawsuit for Nissan to do a security retro. A lady in my work building has hers stolen twice in our work parking light during the day! So I'd still love to have Xenon, but I'm ok with halogens.

[bionicbadger]

I was talking to the Subie Dealer Owner and he said that Subaru didn't go with Xenon headlamps b/c of potential theft. Besides that, adding xenon and LED tails will jack up the price tag. The halogen projectors work fine for me and give off a nice cut off. I'm just going to add some white/ blue bulbs for the HID affect.


The canadian version of the Tribeca comes with xenon lights standard. (But it costs about $15000 more than the US version)

[pearlbluevtx]

Good info ... we are in same boat. I have Mega Cab 3/4 ton Cummins and wife drives a Toy Sequoia. She loves it, it's ok for me but have started liking the size of driving a smaller car (yeah, from a Mega Cab, a Sequoia is dinky!!).

Great info...

My wife testdrove the CX9 before the Tribeca. It's much roomier, has better pickup of the line. We would buy it but they did not want to deal even on the 07 leftovers. The fully loaded CX9 we wanted they asked over 37 K with the sticker of 39. My wife did not mine a used Tribeca (factory demo) with 7K miles on it. We got it for $ 29K. She loves it, it's tight but for hauling the kids to the practices it's great. But we dowmgraded from a Sequoia, and I drive Ram Megacab, so we are "room-spoiled".
The CX9 is built in Hiroshima with most of the parts from Japan, except for the engine (in 07). In 08 is almost 100 % Japan.

[Magic Marker]

The canadian version of the Tribeca comes with xenon lights standard. (But it costs about $15000 more than the US version)
That's an interesting fact.

[pearlbluevtx]

Everyone great information - glad I posted and I understand this is a Suby forum but like to hear from people who have them, love them etc... so thanks.

As for the 6-7 pass & back / 3rd row seats ... this is for our children, backup car for me when driving them around etc. Wife has the people hauler but I would like to have something smaller than my truck (but still want it too!! LOL) to move around on daily basis and haul kids if needed safely, comfortably and just manuveuring around since my MegaCab is a big dude.

I don't plan on sitting in the back seats etc but 4 kids that will and they are young. Will probably have to get Suburban/Tahoe or whatever is out in a few more years as kids get bigger.

The AWD in the subaru is better and its proven.

The mazda does use the ford engine, though the 2008 models of the (still ford) engine are built in japan. The platform is the same as the mazda 6, ford fusion, ford edge, etc.

If you actually need the 6-7 passenger room (not just once or twice/year), then you have to go sit in those seats. Have your wife or someone go with you on a test drive and sit in the back for half an hour while you drive around. And make sure the middle row seats are comfortable for someone sitting there, not slid all the way forward to make room for the 3rd row.

I haven't sat in the CX-9, but Subaru's 3rd row seating is for young kids only or short term emergency use. I'd never want to sit back there on a long drive.

[pearlbluevtx]

that is incredible! wow. Must have diamond lenses or gold etching around those...

The canadian version of the Tribeca comes with xenon lights standard. (But it costs about $15000 more than the US version)

[pearlbluevtx]

our local mazda dealer has a cx-9 that has 2,000 miles on it - an '08 - and they have it at $36,900 and stickers like $39,500 or something. i think they should be able to do better than that ... and it has nav/sunroof and i really want nav+dvd. Tribeca can give me all three I think... so that's in the Suby favor for those.

My wife testdrove the CX9 before the Tribeca. It's much roomier, has better pickup of the line. We would buy it but they did not want to deal even on the 07 leftovers. The fully loaded CX9 we wanted they asked over 37 K with the sticker of 39. My wife did not mine a used Tribeca (factory demo) with 7K miles on it. We got it for $ 29K. She loves it, it's tight but for hauling the kids to the practices it's great. But we dowmgraded from a Sequoia, and I drive Ram Megacab, so we are "room-spoiled".
The CX9 is built in Hiroshima with most of the parts from Japan, except for the engine (in 07). In 08 is almost 100 % Japan.

[bionicbadger]

that is incredible! wow. Must have diamond lenses or gold etching around those...

heh, nope. They are the same as the US except for the xenon headlights (height adjustable), standard block heater, instrumentation in metric, and 3 years maintenance included.

I imported mine from the US and saved a ton of money compared to what they go for here.

[SubOperator]

The canadian version of the Tribeca comes with xenon lights standard. (But it costs about $15000 more than the US version)

the giant price difference is due to exchange rate. Subaru of Canada priced cars they're selling based on old $US/$CA exchange rate which was about 50c US for $1CA few years ago. So Subaru cars in Canada were actually priced about the same if not cheaper than same cars sold in US( and they all are still made in IN, USA - except for Imprezas and Foresters).

Now, with Canadian currency trading at about same value as US, and inability to change retail prices (think about what that would do to used car market and resale value) Subaru of Canada is stuck with prices way higher that US market has. That's why (IMO) they have to offer something USDM does not have - like HIDs, etc. In fact, there is a lot of Canadians these days who buy Subarus directly in US saving a lot of dough. This site (and cars101.com) has some detailed info on that.

I was actually thinking about buying new MY08 LGT Wagon in Canada since SOA does not sell them in US anymore but had to back off purely because of price tag that was coming up based on exchange rate.

nasioc and legacygt.com were full of rant on this topic a while ago.

[SubOperator]

As for the 6-7 pass & back / 3rd row seats ... this is for our children, backup car for me when driving them around etc. Wife has the people hauler but I would like to have something smaller than my truck (but still want it too!! LOL) to move around on daily basis and haul kids if needed safely, comfortably and just manuveuring around since my MegaCab is a big dude.

I don't plan on sitting in the back seats etc but 4 kids that will and they are young.

We have two boys of 12 and 8 years; they LOVE the 3rd row seat, it's very cozy. and they say there's plenty of room there for them, so as soon as they are happy there, we are fine.

[hawker800mech]

I was talking to the Subie Dealer Owner and he said that Subaru didn't go with Xenon headlamps b/c of potential theft. Besides that, adding xenon and LED tails will jack up the price tag. The halogen projectors work fine for me and give off a nice cut off. I'm just going to add some white/ blue bulbs for the HID affect.


The STI's have come with HID's since introduction in 04. At least make it an option.

I ended up getting JDM PIAA 4100K for the low beams and fogs through eBay. Very nice light and color. Kind of pricy, though.

[pearlbluevtx]

I apologize but I guess I need to search for HID's a bit more and understand the big hype with them. I guess a lot of the newer/sportier type of suvs/cuvs etc are using them ...

anyone care to give me a summary or - lol - shed some light on why these HID's are so great??

[hawker800mech]

I apologize but I guess I need to search for HID's a bit more and understand the big hype with them. I guess a lot of the newer/sportier type of suvs/cuvs etc are using them ...

anyone care to give me a summary or - lol - shed some light on why these HID's are so great??

It's more of a luxury item for me. Plus, they are very bright and have greater distance than regular bulbs. Their color is another factor. They give out a more natural light.

[Magic Marker]

It's more of a luxury item for me. Plus, they are very bright and have greater distance than regular bulbs. Their color is another factor. They give out a more natural light.
The bulb itself doesn't give greater distance. That is based on the housing itself. Some halogen housings are better then others. Our B9 projectors do a pretty good job and have a nice cutoff. In the HID projector world, Acura TSX projectors give off the best light output.

HID's do offer different colors and it can offer more natural then halogen. Go to www.hidplanet.com You'll learn a lot there.

[SGT Goltz]

I had never driven a Subaru before Friday morning. I searched about the Tribeca and found people who loved it but most of all a lot of satisfied Subaru owners.

With my search for the "perfect" cuv/suv that can seat at least 6-7 passengers, I believe I am narrowing it down to the CX-9 and the '08 Tribeca.

What are the Subaru owners (or anyones) feelings on the CX-9 v Tribeca vehicles? I drove a CX-9 yesterday and they both drive nice, feel/look good on inside & out ... all nicely equipped etc.

PBVTX

When I bought my Tribeca I looked at the CX-7. It was a nice car but I was disapointed in it. I thought the steering felt kind of numb. The other thing is there AWD system compared to the tribeca is a joke. its not real AWD its a front with rear assist as needed. Having owned the tribeca now for a while and having driven it in snow, freezing rain, off road and highway at over 100MPH (Long story trying to get away from a drunk driver) I am verry happy with it. In the snow it was so well composed it was crazy. I can safely say it is the only SUV I will ever own. I might buy a jeep or a truck but as SUV's go for me now there is no other.

[highwayman]

Sorry but Ford & Mazda together is getting the worst of Domestics & imports. A mechanic for 15 + years those two brands I'd avoid like the plague. I'd skip the Mazda even if it was $$$$ less then the Tribeca, let alone more expensive. Go w/the Tribeca IMHO & avoid the hassles you'll be dealing w/in the future I.E. trans problems for one.

[jonnyk]

When the wife and I were shopping around for the new car, we stopped in the Mazda showroom to have a look at the CX-9, which she loved to look at. We each opened the door to get in, and promptly knocked ours heads on the roof line as we entered (I'm 6', she's 5'8"). That pretty much ended the love affair right there! lol
No such issues with the 'Beca...whew!

[gturcotte]

Did you have a look at the Toyota Highlander? I'm halfway done with my lease and was looking for a Tribeca. (Even if it is not the time to change, I'm always shoping for cars!!!) My Outback is the 2nd Subaru we have and we love it. When our previous Outback (2003) lease was over, we did not shop around, we went back to Subaru directly. This time, I might make a move to Toyota. Price, features, characterictics are pretty close. What would make me chose the Highlander is the higher towing capacity 5000# vs 3500# for the Tribeca. The fuel economy is better on the Highlander too, not much though. They are both all time AWD. That being said, I think the Highlander is worth a look.

Happy shopping!
Gilles.

[snork]

Gilles...even though the Highlander is "AWD", it's not really. The Toyota system is more reactive than proactive. The Highlander is basically a FWD which kicks in the rear only when loss of traction is detected. That's how they get the better fuel economy, but is no where near as good in bad weather, especially snow which I think would be a big factor for you in Quebec. Subarus are true AWD and Tribecas split power pretty much 50-50 F/R all the time.

[gturcotte]

You may be right about the Subaru AWD system to be better (I know it works great), but it really says:

''4WD Full-Time, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), DAC (Downhill Assist Control)''

http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WWW.woa/10/wo/Home.Vehicles.Highlander4-isw1oCtWZbqwutyLTqTzNw/5.11?v191040e%2ehtml

I did not drive the Tribeca nor the Highlander yet, but I suspect the Tribeca to be sportier, as the Highlander is made from the Camry platform. We all know that Toyotas are generally comfy, rather than sporty.

I have 2 years to make my choice! My heart goes with the Suby, but my needs are for higher towing capacity, as we want to upgrade the pop-up camper for a 19-21 feet travel trailer in the future. Time will tell!

[crazycanuck]

I think Subaru needs to come out with a larger SUV/CUV to compete with the larger brands. The Tribeca is more in line with the CX-7 and not in the same size category as the CX-9. Heck, even Kia has rolled out the Borrego which is a full sized SUV.

If you live in a moderate clilmate and get little to no snow, any one of the AWD SUV's on the market should suffice. If you have a real winter season with lots of snow and mixed driving conditions you can't beat the Subaru system. Its been around for 15+ years. And if you decide to put snow tires on, you are pretty much unstoppable.

Subaru has the best AWD system of any non-truck based SUV out there.. with maybe the Audi system right up there.

[highwayman]

Did you have a look at the Toyota Highlander? I'm halfway done with my lease and was looking for a Tribeca. (Even if it is not the time to change, I'm always shoping for cars!!!) My Outback is the 2nd Subaru we have and we love it. When our previous Outback (2003) lease was over, we did not shop around, we went back to Subaru directly. This time, I might make a move to Toyota. Price, features, characterictics are pretty close. What would make me chose the Highlander is the higher towing capacity 5000# vs 3500# for the Tribeca. The fuel economy is better on the Highlander too, not much though. They are both all time AWD. That being said, I think the Highlander is worth a look.

Happy shopping!
Gilles.

We looked hard at the Highlander before getting the Tribeca. I'd say if you're looking for a more SUV like vehicle the Highlander would probably be the better choice. The wife preferred everything better about the Tribeca. From your two options I think the OP is looking for more of a crossover then SUV, but I could be wrong.